Cleaning Out the Cat Litter Box
Hello -- Im interested in the Ultrasorb litter alternative you mention, but cant find it at Amazon or even through a Google search. Could you please point me to more info about it? Thanks, Nica
Self Watering Pot
Donna, having read about something similar in the past, I too thought this was a good plan for the many houseplants I have. I experimented with different yards/ropes for creating wicks. Problem was, after a little while, they all became slimy & stopped wicking...
Cleaning Gas Burner Grates?
Have the same problem here, though not as bad as yours. And like you, I tried many products, techniques, & so forth. So Ive gotten them as clean as possible, with still visible burn markings, dry black lines, & more. But I clean them once a week, usually with...
Diatomaceous Earth as an Effective Flea Killer
Good tip! Id also read about & thus gotten some food-grade one, & now use it directly on my dogs & cats. Causes a dust, but that seems okay for them. With my many environmental allergies, that should bother me, but it doesnt. Several writers/ books noted that...
Use Saran Wrap To Avoid Ice Buildup in Dorm Freezer
This sounds like a great idea to adapt for my outside upright full size freezer, yet Im having a hard time picturing it. Could you take a pic or 2, or just add more details to help with my visuals? Thanks, Nica
Making a Bean Bag Mount for GPS?
Sorry, but I dont know how old this post is, & dont have an answer. I do, however, have the same question. Can anyone out there help? And offer help on attaching the GPS unit itself to the beanbag? Nica
Homemade Cat Shelf
Id love to see the pic with your cats, but am not seeing it. Any help? (b)Editors Note:(/b) It is visible on the article page. Are your images enabled? Please let us know if you still cant see it.
Better Litter Versus Cheaper Litter
I agree. Now living in a rural area w/ limited local stores to shop, Id been buying several boxes at a time of generic clumping litter about 14 lbs each. Had perfumes, which my allergies (& I imagine my cats) hated. Now I buy Precious Cat in 40-lb bags, online...
Reward Cat After Pill
Since Ill try any advice, this will be saved for my next (sigh) attempt. A question, though: It sounds here as if 3 arms/hands are needed. Can you please help? Im 56, with cats of normal overall length.
Folded Letter Makes Its Own Envelope
Hi, Thanks for the tip! Havent done this, but I have made invitations folded in half, with a ribbon or silver elastic string run thru the punched holes. My knot, though, could be on the inside instead of the outside. I imagine this would not cause problems...
Keeping Razors Sharp
Weirdly, my late husband showed me a trick that allows me to use the same disposable razor for years on end now. After shaving (I use soap to lubricate), just hold the razors blade very close to the faucet/shower head for about 15 seconds. Thats it. Keeps it...
Housebreaking an Abused Dog?
You guys are great! Thanks for the suggestions so far. Shekinah is a marvel, & Im so please with the huge strides shes made so far. That she trusted me from the beginning, & is so sweet in general, after what I sense had been a life of neglect & perhaps active...
Fish Oil for Dogs
What dosage do you use, please? I have four 70-80 lb. dogs, & just started giving them one 1000 mg capsule per day. Also addling 1/2 of this to dose to 4 indoor cats, cause some of them have dandruff. Too much or too little, do you think? And if youre using...
How Can I Make My Own Rooting Hormone?
Robyn, do you mix the honey with water first, or use it undiluted? Thanks, Nica
Selecting the Perfect Comforter?
Thanks, mrs, good advice! I didnt know that king size offers different sizes. But as for the bedskirt, probably not my style. I favor very clean (can be elegant) lines, little frill, & non-dust collectors. As you might imagine, w/ hardwood floors & 7 four-footers...
Selecting the Perfect Comforter?
Thanks, everyone. I know Im asking a lot! I can sew, but have more experience on smaller items such as clothes. Ill try variations on what youve all suggested. I also might see if theres such a thing in comforters as California King size.
Letter from the Mothers of the Bride and Groom?
I like plengfers idea, but heres a twist depending on how many guests are invited. If relatively few, how about tying this into some reception activity? Perhaps with each guest speaking a wish for the couple for their marriage? If 15 guests, it would take about...
Thanksgiving Balls
This sounds great! Only thing is, I dont eat fried food. Can these be sauteed? Or even (sigh!) microwaved? Thanks!
Cleaning the Dust From Around the Computer Wires?
Ugh! If you have a cord phobia like I do, that wont work. I dont mess with my plugs unless I must, but like Laura, I suffer from allergies when Im cleaning, too.
My Frugal Life: Me And The Bee
Great story. Thanks for posting it! As a teen in the 70s, I used electric rollers each morning for my poker-straight hair. Then traveled overseas w/ my parents once. Took along the curler set & an adapter. The Egyptian hotel somehow couldnt accommodate the...
Use Plastic Baton as Water Bulb
Sounds like a great idea that Id like to use for other types of plants. May seem silly, but Im not sure what you mean by plastic baton. Something like a wide drinking straw thats clear? Thanks for the info. Nica
Burnt Sugar Cake
Thanks so much, Robin! My mom used to make this when I was a kid (oh, about 45 yrs ago), & I loved it.
Do I Need to Use HE Detergent in a Front Load Washer?
Im with Barbara on this question. I purchased a good used set last year & have no problems so far. Since I only clean for 1, I do no more than 2 loads a week, & thus use little detergent. So far, HE types. But Im wondering, too. Since so many people advise...
Puffy Paint Recipe
It may be a dumb question, but will it hold up through washings & handling in general? Can you use it, for instance, for a flowerpot design? Not having kids, I dont know what puffy paint is used for. Thanks.
Use Bubble Wrap To Increase Tub's Water Level
Oohh! That sounds comfy too! What a creative person you are.
Attracting Squirrels to My Yard?
Thanks, everyone! My own past experience with squirrels makes me familiar with the cautions, but I love them anyhow. They always co-existed really well with the birds in my small habitat. Guess Ill just keep trying with the food.
How Do I Return A MagicJack?
If its beyond the 30-day trial period, forget it! Mine refused to accept most incoming calls. I spent more 90-min periods chatting with them over 9 months. Nothing worked. When I finally found & used the number below, I was told in no uncertain terms that they...
Use Cucumber and Aluminum to Deter Slugs and Grubs
But does it also drive away good insects, worms, etc?
Braid Bulb Leaves After Flowering
Please help? What sort of bulbs do you mean? I thought plants with bulbs just stayed in the ground, & then you divide them sometimes. Thanks, Nica
Ideas for an Exchange of Vows Ceremony and Party?
Whether or not your vows are legally &/or religiously recognized is your decision, of course. Youre asking for ideas regarding the private exchanges of promises & rings, & a get-together afterwards. Here are a few thoughts from personal experience (Im a wedding...
Product Review: Amway's Legacy of Clean
Does Amway still market? I used to love their metal cleaner, but I think they stopped making it, & then later, I almost have never heard of the company anymore.
Plant Lettuce in Hanging Baskets
Nice idea, thanks! Do you happen to know whether these plants would continue to grow if moved indoors for the cold weather?
Retiring to a Small Town?
Hi, Tammy! I relocated from suburban Philadelphia PA to rural Calhoun Country WV two years ago, & like it very much. My small town, called Big Bend, is about a 10-minute drive from Grantsville (1 small grocery chain, 2 dollar stores, a pizza place, & at least...
Installing a Tip Out Sink Tray?
Thanks so much, Kaelle! Id tried searches, but couldnt find something like this. It seems exactly what I need. Nica
Installing a Tip Out Sink Tray?
Thanks again, everyone. I got a set of 2 from Lowes, item # 297865. I couldnt find them online here, but phoned my local Lowes, they searched, & sent them with NO s/h fee at all! $19.76 + tax for a total of $20.95. Now I just need to install them, since the...
Gluing the Soles of Gym Shoes?
I used plain old super glue (dollar stores $1/pk), & my soles holding up well, even in snow.
Difficulty Removing Nails from Wood?
Thanks, everyone. My former owners here seem to have nails & just plain holes throughout all the woodwork. Seriously!
Difficulty Removing Nails from Wood?
Thanks again to everyone! Once I had a better picture of what I needed to do, I found the right tools among what I already had, & finally removed them all w/o too much trouble.
Cinnamon Sticks to Decorate Packages
What a great idea! My jar has only a few left, but I just put it with my wrapping-paper stuff, so I dont forget.
What Breed is My Dog?
Id side with smalltowngirl. I had a purebred Shih Tzu, & the face really matches, but the hairs too curly. That may be where the Poodle comes into play.
Information About Shih Tzu Dogs?
Ahhh, RowdyGirl, thats a great pic! Joy, I had a wonderful Shih Tzu named Kiki, who lived to be 15. She was oversize despite purebred: about 25 lbs. Kik retained her playfulness & cute stubborn streak until her 1st stroke, about 1 yr before she died. Tired...
Triple Coupons?
Cant tell you where in your area you can find this, but I can let you know that in the Philadelphia PA suburbs, local Giant supermarkets offered this about once every 2 or 3 months. Heres how it worked there: In those weekly mailed flyers (NOT the ones in the...
Uses for One Shoe?
Someone (here?) suggested nailing it onto a tree, & using it as a cordless phone holder when outside.
Do Grow Lights Require a Special Fixture?
Can fluorescent lights (the long tube type) be used as grow lights?
Make Your Own Mailbox?
Thanks! The post office has only a few regulations, & theyre pretty relaxed about them. The only glass blocks Ive seen are closed in. Are there hollow ones? Nica
Buy Notebook Paper on Sale
Hi, I used to buy spiral notebooks & legal sort of pads whenever they were on a really good sale at a local chain pharmacy. Unfortunately, the pads stopped the pens from writing. In the end, I wasted more ink trying to get the pens to write on them, than the...
Alternative to Safari for a Mac
?
Camino is pretty streamlined as a browser. Also, Google is coming out soon w/ a Mac-friendly version of its new browser, Google Chrome. The latter is so easy to use on Windows that Im really looking forward to the Mac one. Good luck!
Key Locks Differently
What about keypad door locks, which can be reprogrammed anytime you want? Last time I checked about 1 yr ago, they sold on eBay for around $80/ea, which seems like a reasonable investment to me.
Using Hay as Garden Mulch?
Ive recently used 2 bales of straw as a layer in a lasagna garden, & seeding took place. So I had to re-layer more newspaper on top. I was trying to rid the garden of grasses, so the straw was a bad idea.
Facial Redness?
Rosacea. I was diagnosed w/ it in my mid-thirties, after several years of embarrassment. Complete strangers w/ tell me my skin doesnt have to look that way & suggest remedies, & others warned me I might have Lupus. Ever since using Sulfacet or MetroGel (for...
Chocolate Cinnamon Bread Recipe?
Not sure, but in another cake mix Ive used successfully lots of times, ice cream or frozen yogurt is beat in along with the other wet ingredients. I let my my ice cream become less hard before I used it. Hope this works! Nica
Buying an Inexpensive Greenhouse?
Ive been eying Stombergs poultry site: http://www.strombergschickens.com Where they sell StarPlate connectors, for years now. They supply the building connectors for about $80, & you buy your own materials. I thought of PVC for the struts along w/ heavy plastic...
Planning a Wedding and Reception for $1500?
Ive been creating & performed wedding ceremonies for nearly 15 years. If you email me more details, perhaps I could offer some solid suggestions. 1. Do you want your ceremony & reception to be in different places (eg, a church & a hall) or in the same place...
Fried Rice
I have a question, also, that may built on the one below: In the fried rice Ive eaten in real Chinese restaurants, the rice was somewhat crispy. What happens if you crisp it up before, & then follow the rest of the recipe? Thanks, Nica
Pull Cord on Lawnmower is Too Long?
Thanks, guy. Ill try the suggestions, as soon as the rain lets up around here in WV. Nica
Contributing to Your Child's Wedding?
First, congratulations on your coming grandchild! Second, name-changing & ring wearing are option only, especially today in our society. Means very little. Its all symbolic. Third, which brings us to the wedding or vow-renewal itself. If this is important to...
Catch Drips on Oil Bottles
Nice idea ... thanks! Ive just made a ribbed neck for my laundry detergent, too. Any liquid that slides out from the cap onto the bottles screw-top can be easily cleaned up & thrown right in the wash.
Use Plastic Boxes as Litter Boxes
This idea has simplified & neatened daily life so much for my cats & me! I have 6 indoor-only cats, & had had 8 litter pans -- 4 regular type & 2 domed. Using Sterlite 18-gal containers ($4.50/ea at Wal-Mart), we now use 1 dome & 2 of these Sterlites in 1 area...
Paint Color Ideas for Kitchen with Peach Countertops?
Turquoise shades are the complements of peaches. And theyre cool. But these might look too colorful together. How about adding gray or black to a blue/green & creating an off-slate color? Good luck!
Inexpensive Silicone Oven Mitts?
Oops - Sorry! It seems that you can buy FABRIC oven mitts for $5 that have a piece of silicone where your hand bends. But I need ALL SILICONE mitts. I have gas burners for the 1st time, some of my pots are rather small in diameter, & Ive almost set my potholders...
Cat Scratching Woodwork?
Valerie suggested something else wooden for the cats. Heres a more long-plan idea. Several years ago I read a cat magazine article about Tatarian Honeysuckle. Cats supposedly love its wood, almost like a catnip for them! At the time I found a Canadian manufacturer...
Organizing With Thrift Store Binders
I like the idea but, like Judy, I too dont understand how the clear sheets fit into this.
Set Aside a Box of Necessities When Moving
Ive now completed just 1 major move &, like you, I was fairly successful in keeping several totes of up-front necessities clearly marked & with me. What I forgot, however, is to do this with my cordless (or any sort of) phones. They were in 1 of the many boxes...
Creative Cat Litter Box Tips
If you mixed cedar shavings about half & half with clumping litter, would the boxes still need to be cleaned fully out so often? Has anyone tried this?
Low Cost Recessed Stepping Stones
Im so happy this topic was brought up again. Many thanks for the original post. I do have a question, if someone can help: I have about 100 for a pathway, & would like 6-8 stones with just 1-2 between them. At lets say 3 deep, how do I calculate about how much...
Spray Water Bottles To Beat The Heat
Thank you! I need tips like this for working outdoors. Just a caution to everyone. I tend to overdo things, & yesterday gave myself a scary case of heat exhaustion. Felt terrible for hours afterwards, even though I had been drinking iced tea outside the whole...
Miniature Window Greenhouse
Love this general idea! Having read something similar a few years back, Ive evolved a variation on it that works pretty well: - My cut across the bottle is made about 2/3 down from the top. - I dont punch holes in the bottles bottom, because I dont need drainage...
Allergy Tips for Your Eyes
Hi! I not only have allergies to just about everything environmental (sigh!)), but I also have Ocular Rosacea. About 50% of people with skin Rosacea will get it in the eyes, too. I use daily sunblock & topical meds for the skin, & wash my eyelids & lashes almost...
Sharing Dinner with Friends
I need something like this. My husband died 3 yrs ago suddenly, then my mother (who lived w/ me) 2 years ago, & I moved to rural WV where Ive been for about a year now. I like to cook & experiment even, but not for just myself. The few friends & co-workers...
My Frugal Life: Cooking For One
Thanks for the post. Im widowed & share my household with indoor cats & a dog. Cooking for myself, even though it helps feed them too, seems too much of a burden too often. So any suggestions would be vastly appreciated. Just a note. How large of a freezer...
Uses for Oxygen Tubing?
Use for making/ repairing a tabletop fountain. Attach it to the small pump & pull it up through whatever decor youve created.
Keeping Your Work Area Clean
Good idea! Dont know why (other than current clutter!) I never thought of sitting it *behind* the machine. My solution is an old 1950s fluted vase that my mother used for whatever & I now use for sewing strings & snips. Always had gotten in the way, though...
Copper Pipe Curtain Rods
I have problems visualizing things. Do any of you have pics that you could post? Id really appreciate seeing your good ideas.
